Those mug rugs are super cute! I've just one question that I've wondered about for awhile: is a mug rug like a coaster for hot beverages? Or is it supposed to wrap around the cup? I any believe I don't know that by now, haha.

Okay, so I did a small oil painting a long time ago, and I've recently started a much larger one. About two days in I realized I have no idea what I'm doing. There is a lot more to working with oils than I first thought, so I decided to ask some of you more experienced painters for help.

1. What is 'fat over lean'? Should I be using paint thinner or oil to dilute my paint? The first painting I did I used my dad's shop paint thinner and it seemed to work well, but my art teacher (who admits he doesn't like or know oils well) says I don't need it and only need oil for diluting and cleaning.

2. What type/quality of paint thinner and/or oils should I use? What are mineral spirits and turpentine? Like I said before, I'm currently using commercial paint thinner and my teacher has me using vegetable oil.

3. Cleanup Cleaning my brushes and myself has been a nightmare. First I used paint thinner on the brushes, but I'm not sure if that should be going down the drain. Most recently I've tried getting the pigment off with oil and then washing the brushes in soap and water. I want my brushes to last as long as possible, so I need to know how to keep them conditioned properly. Also, how do I get paint off my hands? Right now I just wipe the majority off with a rag and let the rest wash off gradually.

4. Disposal Can oil paints, solvents, and oils be washed down the drain? Or should I be disposing of them some other way?

Overall, I just need help putting together a proper oil kit, I guess. Any help you guys can offer me would be greatly appreciated

I guess if I have to choose, I declare myself a member of Team Fandom!

Challenge: September ConventionsTeam:Team FandomBonus Points: noneProject Name:TARDIS wristletProject Page Link (if available):https://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=427222.50#axzz2h5sRkv3b (swap gallery)Brief Description: Recently I participated in the ninth round of the Doctor Who swap. My partner had pinned a wristlet with two money/coupon pockets, three card pockets, a hinged change pocket, and ID slot on the outside on one side, and a zippered phone pocket on the other. It has a wrist strap, so you would be less likely to lose it at a Whovian convention! The seller also had the pattern for sale (here), so naturally I made a TARDIS out of it. It was a 36 page PDF and worked on a smaller scale then I'm used to, so the workmanship is a bit shoddy. It's functional though!Project Picture:

Challenge: September Starfleet UniformTeam:Team FandomBonus Points: noneProject Name:Fantastic T-shirtProject Page Link (if available):https://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=427222.50#axzz2h5sRkv3b (swap gallery)Brief Description: My partner's favorite doctor was Nine like me, and she liked stencilled shirts, so I made one using a sun-reactive dye called Inkodye by Lumi. It comes in red, orange, and blue, which I chose to use. It's a bit touch and go since any exposure to UV rays will start the process, but I thought it turned out with a nice vintage/distressed feel.Project Picture:

Challenge: September Periodic TableTeam:Team FandomBonus Points: noneProject Name:Companion FigurinesProject Page Link (if available):https://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=427222.50#axzz2h5sRkv3b (swap gallery)Brief Description: We also made a small project for favorite companions, and I just couldn't choose, so I made all three of her favorites: Jack, Rose, and Donna. Because there are three, I chose the element Lithium, Greek for 'stone'--- sort of like these little people feel after baking. Because of its reactivity, lithium doesn't occur in nature in its raw form, but due to its solubility as an ion, lithium can be extracted from clays. I also painted each figurine with metallic paints, which goes with the metallic luster of the third element on the periodic table.Project Picture:

P.S. To pinkleo and SenatorOrganza--- I noticed there was no listed Team Captain or Headquarters for Team Fandom (correct me if I'm wrong), so if you would like me to I could start something up. It's up to you, though

Wow, everything looks absolutely fantastic! I really love all the different takes on River's diary.

I'm really sorry I've been so out of it this swap, you guys. One of those things where life just does what it wants and I fall really behind. I didn't technically flake but I'm the next worst thing I'm so, so sorry. Thanks spikefan for being so patient and posting pictures. They're a lot better than mine . I thought I'd add a few favorites of my own.

My Dalek hat and mittens<3 <3 <3. I love thes things, seriously. My mom thinks they're ridiculous, but she thinks that about the whole fandom so she doesn't count. I also wore them to school today and nobody knew what they were which made me sad but they liked them anyway.

The bracelets were on my wrist almost immediately. They are super cute!

This key chain is too awesome. I just love the little BANANAS.

All the rest of my pictures stink. The only place in my house with good lighting is the laundry room and even then I'm no talent with a camera.

I'm here, I swear. I've got every item going but none of them finished. I just had a big shopping spree at Michael's and Joann's yesterday and early outs from school all week, so I'm ready to get something done

Wow, I can't believe its already the last month of this. I really have been having fun with Charlotte, but I've been absolutely, unforgivably horrible at telling you guys about it. So get ready for a reeeallly long post. Sorry

Here are the long-ago promised Omaha zoo pictures:

Giraffes! (Mama and baby )Rhinos!Gorillas!Leopards! (this guy came out for a single minute for us to get some great pictures, then went and hid)Penguins!Jellyfish!Some sort of tiny deer creature!

I've got tons more adventures to share but they'll have to wait til tonight when I'm home again

Well, seeing as I've totally failed with the summer nerd games and haven't done anything yet, I think I'll just start over with fall! My summer got really hectic just about the same time I signed up, and it's finally beginning to settle down a bit now that school is in full swing.